About

The Biomedical Research Academy at the University of Pennsylvania is a three-week, fully residential summer program (July 5 – July 25, 2026) for high school students (rising sophomores to seniors). Hosted by Penn Arts and Sciences, the academy introduces students to the experimental basis of cellular, molecular, and genetic biology with a focus on their relevance to human disease.

Total tuition for 2026 is $10,050, which includes housing in Penn residence halls, a meal plan, and all laboratory materials. A non-refundable $1,500 deposit is required upon acceptance. Applicants must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and submit transcripts and one letter of recommendation. Full scholarships are available exclusively for eligible students from Philadelphia public or charter high schools. Academically, the academy fusions daily lectures by Penn faculty from the Department of Biology and the Perelman School of Medicine with intensive lab experiments. Students gain proficiency in university-grade techniques, including PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), gel electrophoresis, and bacterial transformation.

A central component of the 2026 curriculum is the Journal Club, where students work in small groups under the guidance of Penn researchers to analyze primary research articles on topics such as CRISPR/Cas9, vaccine development, and antibiotic resistance. While the program does not confer college credit, it offers an authentic research apprenticeship that culminates in a final team presentation of research findings.